Yusei Kikuchi was taken off the active roster today with tightness in his right side. He first started feeling discomfort in his side during a game against the Hiroshima Carp at Mazda Stadium on June 14.

Kikuchi participated in practices at Seibu Prince Dome earlier today in preparation for his next start on June 25. He was able to play catch at a distance of about ninety meters without any problems, but experienced discomfort in his side when he tried to throw at full strength during a bullpen session. He was taken off the active roster as a precaution. The Seibu Lions feel he should be okay to return in the minimum ten days.